WORLD-RENOWNED Belgravia family restaurant Santini has announced the opening of their stunning new Milanese designed Butterfly Bar and private dining room.

One of the last remaining family-run restaurants of its type, Santini is famed for being Frank Sinatra’s favourite restaurant when in London. There is about as much history at Santini as there is in any regional Italian cooking. Following the semi-retirement of Gino Santin, Santini is now co-run by his daughter, food entrepreneur and award-winning author, Laura Santtini.

The delicious new pre-theatre and bar menus with spellbinding flavours created by Laura and her culinary team, new signature Santini cocktails, along with the new autumn menu in the main restaurant, make it the perfect destination for the winter season. Guests will also be able to enjoy the all-year-round al fresco dining and cigar terrace with heaters and cosy blankets.

“I am delighted by the way the addition of the new bar has transformed Santini into something even more special for our guests without losing the heritage and glamour of its roots,” Laura told Essential Journeys.

“The Butterfly Bar will be perfect for those living, working locally or visiting the area to enjoy light bites, drinks, teas and coffee all day in true European bar style. Customers can also enjoy delicious after-work cocktails from our five categories created by our resident mixologist, Fabio Frittoli, as well as 70 new wines and our special cellar featuring some of Italy’s finest wines.”

Unlike the main restaurant, the new bar lounge offers guests the option to pop in any time before midnight for a spaghetti lobster and a glass of champagne or a quick negroni and a carpaccio. In addition to al fresco dining and cigar terrace, Santini has also announced the opening of their newly refurbished private dining room. Available for meals, boardroom-style meetings, working lunches, presentations, functions and parties, catering is for up to 30 seated or 60 standing.

Since 1984, Santini regulars have been travelling from all over the word to sample signature dishes such as Carciofo Santini – an Umami-packed dish created by Laura’s father, Gino Santin, in 1984, as well as favorites such as spaghetti with lobster (above), fusilli with white veal ragout and the seasonal pasta dish – pumpkin ravioli with sage infused butter. All pasta dishes are homemade and cooked to order.

A preview of new menu items includes Santini favourites and signature dishes such as slow cooked artichoke and spaghetti lobster. New seasonal dishes include insalata autunno (autumn salad) with butternut squash, chestnut and ricotta, as well as braised lamb shank with grapes, balsamic and polenta.

About The Author

Michael Cowton, an outdoors writer, editor and photographer with a passion for nature-based travel and wildlife. He is a former editor of EcoTravel, Outdoor Pursuits, Camping, Lakeland Walker and Which Motorcaravan magazines, and national newspaper journalist.